My Story: History & Philosophy
Eleni Prieston, Goldsmith, GIA Diamonds
My Path to “Maker”?
My Greek ancestry and my home has been and still is filled with pieces of history left by my family. My Papou’s (grandfathers) Amber “komboloi”, or worry beads. My Yiayia’s (grandmother’s) sterling silver perfume bottle, with Greek Mati, warning away evil. Like many in her day she was a prolific embroiderer of napkins and the like. My mother’s Sterling silver coffee set and Samovar and her Waterford cut crystal are a few of her handmade quality items that she so valued. My father’s chiseled and well-worn Meerschaum pipe, obviously well worn and enjoyed. Nothing seemed to be store bought. Made by an individual, globally sourced, which in those days meant travel, consumption was connected to making.
My life was surrounded by handmade things that my parents and ancestors either made themselves or collected as they acquired items of sustainable quality that still function today. From fur coats that my grandmother made to rugs that my grandparents made to furniture that my father had made in Germany, everything seemed to be made and connected to an individual’s life. I’m richer as a result of these relationships which contribute an ancient spirit and aesthetic to my work.
‘The Mark of the Hand’
My love and passion for painting has been with me throughout my life and is my underlying theme. That thread can be followed by a loose spontaneous style peppered with colored gemstones. Often organic in technique, ELENI PRIESTON and MADE is simultaneously contemporary and ancient, much like Etruscan or Byzantine pieces. I create work that is not limited by current styles or fashion trends, there by timeless. A Bespoke Primitive which is handmade, allowing for ‘the mark of the hand’. Investing time translates and we are naturally attracted. Time and substance are intertwined, time being the most valuable and irreplaceable asset.
I’ve always been more interested in how things were made, the individual behind the work, than the value of the material. My passions drove me to use my time in various ways. A few years in the commercial industry in New York City, a Certification in Diamonds with the Gemological Institute of America and a few years apprenticing with classical jeweler Luna Felix when Gold was closer to $200 an ounce than to $2000! Over time I opened and operated 2 retail stores on the East End, and as I do now, making 90% of the work and doing all the repairs by my hand. Our flexible season allowed me to travel often opening a restaurant in Greece. I built my own home here, had 2 sons later and here I am! One of my sons was literally born at home. The ultimate act of owning your creation! All those passions make up the tapestry that feeds me creatively.
Neo Byzantine Gold Studio
Educated and trained in the Fine Arts and Jewelry making, the Neo Byzantine Gold Studio was established on the East End of Long Island in 1977. Now both lines can be found at EleniPrieston.com and MadeSagHarbor.com (offering the same organic handmade jewelry I’ve become known for but often in materials other than gold). Gold prices vary! In 1977 when I started it was $190 per ounce. Today it is over $1800. So for those of you who prefer Silver or other metals, the MADE studio is here!
REpair, REuse, REcycle
Remembering the 3R’s campaign that I started in the early 1980’s – REpair, REuse, REcycle – we can collaborate to REsponsibly breathe new life into your old, dated or broken jewelry. Or melt it down to cash out. MADE by my hand in the Sag Harbor Studio right here in the Hamptons! Custom Oders & REpairs use sustainable materials globally sourced through Fair Trade initiatives, pure metals (Gold or Silver), fine Gemstones, Pearls, Opals, Diamonds. Whether REpairing, Appraising or creating new, make your appointment and let’s collaborate on your custom order and commission. Work with me right here in Sag Harbor on your made to order piece!